Berkshire Money Management Adviser Receives CEPA Designation

DALTON, Mass. — Berkshire Money Management's Lauren Russo recently earned the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation.

The CEPA program was specifically designed for business advisers who work closely with owners of privately held companies. CEPA designation is given through the Exit Planning Institute, offering the most widely accepted and endorsed professional exit planning program in the world. The organizing principle of the program is Master Planning, the alignment of the three legs of the stool (business, personal, financial), which is executed through the implementation of a process called the Value Acceleration Methodology.

"We manage the assets of business owners, and 80 percent of their net worth is tied up in their company. Stocks and bonds are a small part of their identity," BMM founder and CEO Allen Harris said. "It's all about taking care of their baby, their business. Lauren and other strategists with the CEPA designation are uniquely qualified to help grow and defend the value of their most important asset of an entrepreneur – their business."

To receive the CEPA designation, Russo completed a rigorous four-day program that included 100 hours of pre-course study, 30 hours of classroom instruction, and the successful completion of a three-hour exam. She is one of the youngest advisers to earn this designation.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.